The Alberta Teachers’ Association

Are you currently substitute teaching or teaching under a temporary or probationary contract of employment?

If the answer is yes, then you may qualify for regular employment insurance (EI) benefits when your employment comes to an end. Qualifying for regular benefits under EI regulations depends on the following criteria:

1. Your contract of employment as a teacher has ended and you are not in receipt of an offer of employment for the next school year or benefit premium contributions for the summer.
2. You have not worked for at least seven consecutive days.
3. You have the required number of insured hours accumulated in the past 52 weeks to qualify for EI.

The Alberta Teachers’ Association assists teachers with questions about EI benefits—the most common concern is the required number of insured hours. Following are frequently asked questions about required number of insured hours:

Frequently asked questions

• How many hours do I need? It depends on your teaching status and location within Alberta. It also depends on whether you are new to the workforce and if you’ve filed a previous EI claim.
• What happens if my Record of Employment (ROE) does not have enough insured hours? Keep your own records of hours worked, including preparation time before and after school, supervision and extracurricular time after school, and time spent marking assignments at home. When possible, have your logbook hours signed by a principal or other supervisor who can certify the hours that you worked. This logbook record could be helpful if an appeal for a denied EI claim is warranted.
• If I’m filling in for another teacher for a longer period of time, can I use my plan book in place of the logbook noted above? Yes. Ensure that you record your time for activities such as coaching, planning, marking or other assigned ­duties/professional responsibilities in the plan book.
• Should I apply even if I don’t know if I am eligible? The ATA usually recommends applying regardless, because waiting too long to apply could be another reason why your claim could be denied.
• What if my request for EI is turned down? Contact the Alberta Teachers’ Association’s Teacher Welfare program area for advice on the merits of filing an appeal. In Edmonton and area, call 780-447-9400; from elsewhere in Alberta, call tollfree at 1-800-232-7208.

For more information on employment insurance, visit the ATA’s website (www.teachers.ab.ca) and click on Employment Insurance, located under Salary and Benefits. Or call the EI General Inquiries line at 1-800-206-7218. Apply for benefits online through the Human Resources Development Canada website: www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/ei/application/applying_for_benefits.shtml.